How to Make the Career Changes You Want Sooner (rather than later)
Debbie Brown, SPHR, MBA, MSW
Prospective clients often ask me, “How long does the career counseling/coaching process take?” Part of the answer has to do with the kind of changes you want to make: a minor transition versus a major career change, developing a career development plan or improving your own job performance. There are many other factors as well. The traditional rule of thumb for finding a job is that it takes one month for every 10K that you want to make. The recent economic recovery has been referred to as a “jobless recovery.” This means that there are fewer jobs than there were in the boom of the 90’s. Fewer jobs also equates to more competition for jobs. And the job search process may take longer as well depending on the kind of job you want, your salary requirements and your skills. This makes it even more important that you follow the rules of action I suggest:
. Be clear about what you want. Have a vision and set some goals with dates of achievement. But be realistic and flexible as well. Make adjustments when needed.
. You have to know what you want before you can develop a plan to get there. The assessment process is crucial. Know what you need to be successful. And it’s not just about the kind of job you want and how much money you want to make. It’s also about lifestyle. The job has to fit into the life you want. This is your opportunity to create that life.
. Focus all of your efforts in the direction of those goals. Anthony Robbins calls it “taking massive action.” Massive action is exactly what it takes. This is a part- time job and should be treated accordingly.
. Be persistent. The clients of mine who achieve their dreams are those who know what they want and who persist despite discouragement. Persistent people make the phone calls. Even if people do not call them back. They don’t give up. They keep a clear vision of what they want and continue with the process even if things go slowly.
.I have often remarked to my clients, “What is the alternative?” (to not taking action). If the pain of not taking action is strong enough, chances are you will continue to move forward. But you also have to see pleasure in what is ahead of you. The life you envision is better than what you have now!
. I can’t emphasize enough the role of keeping a positive mental attitude. This does not mean constantly having a smile on your face. Nor does it mean that you never have a bad day. It means that despite discouragement, you persist and expect a positive outcome. It means living with the uncertainty and expecting something wonderful, even if you are not sure what that is.
“If you can find a path with no obstacles,
it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.”
Frank A Clark, author Do what you can, with what you have, where you are
